Uganda seeks Algeria's support on oil sector

By Henry Sekanjako

UGANDA has urged the government of Algeria to consider including the oil and gas sector in its bilateral cooperation areas with Uganda.

Speaking during celebrations to mark the national day of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Kampala, state minister for regional cooperation, Asuman Kiyingi said Algeria’s support on oil and gas sector would offer an opportunity for mutual benefit and transform the lives of locals. 

“Uganda and Algeria have successfully continued to cooperate in various fields of endeavor. I therefore wish to urge that other areas of further cooperation should include oil and gas,” said Kiyingi. 

In 2010, Algeria was named the fourth largest crude oil producer in Africa and the eighth largest global producer of natural gas.

According to Kiyingi, both countries aspire to transform people’s social and economic status as well as playing an important positive role towards making Africa and the entire world a peaceful and prosperous one. 

He noted that President Yoweri Museveni and President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria have continued to enjoy excellent bilateral relations as espoused by their common belief in promoting peace and security on the African continent through their active engagement in the African Union.

“They strongly believe that African problems are unique, and should have African solutions,” he stated.

The Algerian Ambassador  Abderrahmane Benmokhtar commended Uganda for its strong relationship with Algeria saying the two countries shared a fundamental idea that the future of Africa lies solely in the hands of the African people.

“Ever since our two countries attained their independences, our bilateral cooperation has always been on the rise and has been diversified on such a most important basis of solidarity and friendship,” said Benmokhtar.

Speaking at his residence in Nakesero where diplomats joined Algeria to celebrate its national day, Benmokhtar urged Uganda to open an embassy in Algeria in order to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Algeria which celebrated 60 years of self-rule on Saturday November 1, got her independence on November 1, 1954.